Canada consistently ranks among the top destinations in the world for tourists, students, skilled workers, and permanent residents alike. With its high quality of life, multicultural cities, and well-structured immigration pathways, the demand for Canadian visas across every category has grown considerably in recent years. One of the first questions any prospective applicant asks is a practical one: what is the actual price of a Canada visa? The answer depends on which visa or permit you are applying for, how many people are included in your application, and what supporting services like biometrics and medical examinations are required. This guide breaks down the full cost picture for every major Canada visa category in 2026.
Quick Answer: How Much Does a Canada Visa Cost in 2026?
The price of a Canada visa in 2026 ranges from CAD 100 for a single Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) to CAD 1,525 or more for permanent residence applications under Express Entry. Most applicants also pay a biometrics fee of CAD 85 per person (or CAD 170 for a family). Medical examination costs, police certificates, and professional immigration consultant fees add further to the total, which can range from CAD 200 to over CAD 3,000 depending on the visa type and family size.
Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Fee
The Temporary Resident Visa — commonly called a visitor visa or tourist visa — is the most frequently applied-for Canadian visa category. It allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for tourism, to see family or friends, or to attend short-term events. The application fee structure is as follows:
| Application Type | Government Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant – visitor visa | CAD 100 | Per person; single or multiple entry |
| Family – visitor visa (max. fee) | CAD 500 | Capped for families of 5 or more applying together |
| Super Visa (parents and grandparents) | CAD 100 | Multiple entry; valid up to 10 years |
| Transit Visa | CAD 100 | For transit through Canadian airports |
| Visitor Visa – restoration of status | CAD 200 | For restoring expired visitor status inside Canada |
The visitor visa fee does not include the biometrics fee, which is mandatory for most applicants and is charged separately. Citizens of certain countries are visa-exempt for short visits to Canada but are still required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which costs CAD 7 per person and is applied for online within minutes.
For many visitors, Canada is also a gateway to exploring the broader North American region, and understanding living costs in different Canadian cities is equally relevant to trip planning. Resources covering where to live and what to expect in Ontario give useful context for those considering an extended stay or planning their first Canadian visit around a specific region.
Canada Study Permit Fee
International students enrolling in Canadian universities, colleges, or designated learning institutions must apply for a study permit before arriving. The study permit is not a visa — it is a separate document that authorizes the holder to study in Canada. Most applicants outside Canada also need to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa alongside the study permit, though both can be applied for simultaneously.
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Study Permit application fee | CAD 150 | Per applicant; non-refundable |
| Visitor Visa (if required alongside permit) | CAD 100 | Required for most nationalities |
| Biometrics fee | CAD 85 | Per person; mandatory for most nationalities |
| Medical examination | CAD 200 – CAD 400 (varies) | Required for stays over 6 months or certain nationalities |
| Estimated Total (single applicant) | CAD 535 – CAD 735 | Before document prep and consultant costs |
Students from countries that are part of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) — including India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Senegal, Morocco, Pakistan, and several others — benefit from significantly faster processing times when meeting the SDS requirements. The application fee remains the same regardless of whether you apply through the standard or SDS stream.
Canada Work Permit Fee
Canada’s work permit system covers several different pathways — from employer-specific closed work permits to open work permits that allow the holder to work for any Canadian employer. The government fee varies depending on the type of permit and any associated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
| Work Permit Type | Government Fee (CAD) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Work Permit | CAD 155 | Includes open work permit holder fee of CAD 100 + processing fee of CAD 55 (if applicable) |
| Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit | CAD 155 | Requires LMIA or job offer letter |
| LMIA Application Fee (paid by employer) | CAD 1,000 | Per position; non-refundable; employer responsibility |
| International Mobility Program (LMIA-exempt) | CAD 155 + CAD 230 compliance fee | Employer pays CAD 230 compliance fee |
| Biometrics (if not previously given) | CAD 85 | Per person; valid for 10 years once collected |
The LMIA fee of CAD 1,000 is paid by the sponsoring employer, not the worker, but it is an important cost that affects which employers are willing to pursue international recruitment. Some work permit categories are LMIA-exempt — including intracompany transfers, reciprocal employment agreements, and certain International Mobility Program streams — reducing the total cost burden for both parties.
Canada Permanent Residence Fees (Express Entry and Other Pathways)
Permanent residence is the most significant immigration step, and the fee structure reflects the complexity of the application. Canada’s Express Entry system manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and family sponsorship programs operate under separate fee structures.
| PR Pathway | Principal Applicant Fee (CAD) | Spouse/Partner Fee (CAD) | Dependent Child Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker / CEC) | CAD 1,525 | CAD 1,525 | CAD 260 per child |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP – federal processing) | CAD 1,525 | CAD 1,525 | CAD 260 per child |
| Spousal/Partner Sponsorship | CAD 1,075 (sponsor) + CAD 1,050 (applicant) | Combined | CAD 260 per child |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | CAD 515 | CAD 515 | Not applicable |
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of CAD 515 per adult is charged at the final stage — when the application is approved and before the PR visa is issued. It can be paid at the time of application or deferred until approval, but it must be paid before the PR document is issued. A family of four (two adults, two children) applying through Express Entry would pay a combined application fee of approximately CAD 4,090 before biometrics, medical exams, and police certificates are factored in.
Canada attracts permanent residents who go on to build long-term lives in its cities — and understanding the practical realities of Canadian life from a lifestyle and cost perspective is as important as knowing the visa fees. For those considering British Columbia as their destination, a detailed look at the best places to live in BC offers an informed view of what different communities have to offer before committing to a region.
Biometrics Fee
Biometrics — fingerprints and a digital photograph — are required for most Canadian visa and permit applicants between the ages of 14 and 79. The biometrics fee is separate from the visa application fee and is paid directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Single applicant: CAD 85
- Family applying together: CAD 170 (capped regardless of family size)
- Validity: 10 years — if biometrics were collected within the last 10 years for a previous Canadian application, they do not need to be given again
Biometrics are collected at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or an Application Support Center (ASC) in your country. The appointment must be booked and attended before the visa application can be finalized. Most VACs charge a small additional service fee for the appointment itself, typically ranging from CAD 20 to CAD 50 equivalent in local currency.
Medical Examination Costs
A medical examination by an IRCC-designated physician is required for most permanent residence applicants and for visitors or workers planning stays of six months or more who are coming from certain countries. Medical examination fees are set by the panel physician, not by IRCC, and vary by country and the tests included.
A standard medical examination for an adult typically costs between CAD 200 and CAD 400 in most markets. Children’s examinations are generally less expensive. Additional tests — such as chest X-rays, blood tests, or specialist consultations — may be required based on the applicant’s medical history or country of origin and will increase the examination cost accordingly. All results are submitted electronically to IRCC by the panel physician; applicants do not handle medical reports directly.
According to , IRCC publishes all current application fees for every visa and permit category on its official website, and applicants should always verify the exact fee before submitting payment, as fees are subject to periodic revision.
Total Estimated Canada Visa Costs by Application Type
| Visa / Permit Type | Government Fee (CAD) | Biometrics (CAD) | Medical (if required) | Estimated Total Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (single) | 100 | 85 | Not required | 185 – 235 |
| eTA (visa-exempt countries) | 7 | Not required | Not required | 7 |
| Study Permit (single) | 150 + 100 (TRV) | 85 | 200 – 400 | 535 – 735 |
| Work Permit (single) | 155 – 385 | 85 | 200 – 400 (if applicable) | 440 – 870 |
| Express Entry PR (single adult) | 1,525 + 515 (RPRF) | 85 | 200 – 400 | 2,325 – 2,525 |
| Express Entry PR (family of 4) | 4,090 (approx.) | 170 | 800 – 1,600 | 5,060 – 5,860 |
These estimates do not include immigration consultant or lawyer fees, which for PR applications typically range from CAD 2,000 to CAD 5,000 depending on complexity, or provincial nomination fees where applicable. PNP fees are set by individual provinces and range from free (Ontario) to CAD 1,500 (some other provinces).
Common Additional Costs to Budget For
Police Clearance Certificates: Required for PR applicants from every country lived in for six months or more in the past 10 years. Cost varies by country — typically CAD 15 to CAD 80 equivalent per certificate.
Document Translation: Documents not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator. Costs range from CAD 50 to CAD 200 per document.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Required for Express Entry applicants to verify foreign degrees. Fees vary by body — WES charges approximately CAD 239 for the standard evaluation.
Language Testing: IELTS or CELPIP for English; TEF or TCF for French. Each test costs approximately CAD 300 to CAD 350.
Immigration Consultant or Lawyer: Optional but commonly used. Fees range from CAD 1,500 for simple permit applications to CAD 5,000+ for complex PR cases.
For those planning to settle in Canada long-term and explore what the country has to offer beyond its major urban centres, practical resources about the Canadian experience are well worth exploring. The country’s outdoors culture is a major draw for new residents — and comprehensive trail guides like Canada’s top hiking trails for every level give newcomers and travellers alike an engaging sense of what life there has to offer beyond city limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canada visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
The processing fee portion of the Canada visa fee is generally non-refundable once your application has been submitted and assessed, regardless of whether it is approved or refused. However, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is refundable if your application is refused before the fee is processed — IRCC outlines the specific refund conditions for each fee category on its official website.
Do children pay the same Canada visa fee as adults?
No. Dependent children applying as part of a permanent residence application pay a reduced fee of CAD 260 instead of the adult fee of CAD 1,525. For visitor visas, each child pays the same CAD 100 fee unless applying as part of a family group where the CAD 500 family cap applies.
How long is Canada biometrics valid for?
Biometrics collected for a Canadian visa or permit application are valid for 10 years. If you have given biometrics within the last 10 years for any previous IRCC application, you do not need to give them again for a new application — and you will not be charged the biometrics fee a second time.
Can I pay Canada visa fees in my local currency?
Canada visa fees are set in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and must be paid in CAD through the IRCC online payment system, which accepts major credit and debit cards. The conversion to your local currency is handled by your card issuer at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment.
The price of a Canada visa in 2026 spans a wide range depending on your purpose of travel and the complexity of your application. A simple visitor visa for a single applicant costs as little as CAD 185 including biometrics, while a complete permanent residence application for a family of four can reach CAD 6,000 or more when all mandatory components are included. Understanding each cost component — from the base government fee to biometrics, medical examinations, credential assessments, and language tests — allows you to plan accurately and avoid the financial surprises that catch many applicants off guard. Always verify current fees through IRCC’s official website before submitting any payment, as Canadian immigration fees are reviewed and updated periodically.
